Trollheart Listens to Every Album on Wiki's List for 2017

Trollheart · 11-04-2017, 12:10 PM

Album title: Restoration of an American Idol
Artist: Taylor Bennett
Genre: Hip-Hop
Nationality: American
Release date: February 24
Position in Discography: Third mixtape; fourth overall **
Fear Factor: High
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 2.87
Hey, I like the sound of this. I see he's related to Chance the Rapper, who got some decent rep here a few years back. Hell, even the Autotune isn't annoying me: it seems almost to fit into the style of singing that tends to prevail in this genre. This is much more relaxed, easygoing hip-hop with a strong soul element, very appealing. Pretty much like everything here. Good show!

Check out more from this artist? Might, yes
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Expectation Index: 10

** Actually, I don't know what to think. Wiki has it as a mixtape, RYM calls it an album. Discogs doesn't have it at all.

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 11-04-2017, 12:46 PM

pretty sure it’s a mixtape. i should check it out, one of my good friends made a song with him a few years back. he seemed like an alright dude.

Trollheart · 11-04-2017, 02:23 PM

Album title: "Drunk"
Artist: Thundercat
Genre: Jazz Fusion/Electronic/R&B
Nationality: American
Release date: February 24
Position in Discography: Third
Fear Factor: High
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 3.26
Another album that fooled me into thinking the vocalist was female, dammit! Twenty-three tracks here, people! Let's hope either that there's a lot of good stuff or that it's so bad I can bail out. So far, it seems to be the former. Lots of engaging music here. Nice mix of soul, thumping electronic tunes and some pretty mad jazz, none of which have annoyed me. It is however hard to listen to this without thinking of this:

I don't feel Kendrick adds much to “Walk On By”, but I'm sure there will be people wetting themselves over his guest appearance here. It's the only one from him. Others who lend a hand include seventies icons Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, Pharrell Williams, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa and Kamasi Washington. Not sure why ol' Thunderpussy needs these as he has a great singing voice himself, but what do I know? I think “Tokyo” would be one of my favourite tracks here. Lot of short little tracks too, and it all adds up to a very impressive album.

Check out more from this artist? Might
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Expectation Index: 9

~~Cuthbert~~ · 11-04-2017, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Album title: Gang Signs and Prayer
Artist: Stormzy
Genre: Hip-hop/Grime/R&B
Nationality: English
Release date: February 24
Position in Discography: Debut
Fear Factor: Moderate
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 3.01
Well, here it is then: the one Monkey has been waiting for me to review. Hope it turns out to have been worth the wait. Well I like the atmosphere on the opening track anyway (storms, y'see?) and the keyboard is cool, very almost Mike Oldfield on Tubular Bells, or as you might know it, the theme from The Exorcist. Second track is more frenetic, but still really good. I like how he uses the music as a backdrop and not just background for his voice, which is pretty damn good. Seems like, unlike other rappers (at least as far as I know) he uses a full orchestra here rather than just synthesisers, and damn but it shows. There's a real lush feel to the music, a sense of depth and drama. “Blinded by Your Grace, Pt 1” (not sure why an archbishop would want to take anyone's sight, but there you go) has a very gospel/soul thing going on, cool organ or electric piano leading the line, and a nice soft vocal from Stormzy, then “Big For Your Boots” sounds a bit humorous, and I like it.

There's some really smooth stuff here, some frenetic stuff, some angry stuff and some stuff that seems not to take itself too seriously, which is refreshing. A nice mix, and it certainly keeps you interested. “21 Gun Salute” is an introspective little brooder, which brings us to “Blinded by Your Grace, Pt 2” and it's a nice development from the first part, more rocky with a touch of gospel. Like this very much indeed. “Don't Cry for Me” is a good song too. Next track is just a phone call though. I've seen this happen a few times, I suppose it's a hip-hop thing, but I don't like it. Lazy. Still, it's really the only low point on the album so I won't go on about it. And it's followed by the cool “Shut Up”, finishing with “Lay Me Bare”, a great closer, bringing us back to the brooding nature of the opener.

Check out more from this artist? Yup
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Uh-huh

Expectation Index: 10

Good review.

I am surprised you liked Shut Up. Though it is a really unique sounding instrumental imo, one of the all time classics for me. Glad you liked it on the whole, this album was not for me because I was expecting Grime when it came out and there wasn't really much on it so I was left feeling a bit disappointed.

Nice to see you warming to Hip-Hop and giving stuff like this a chance imo.

Big For Your Boots is quality as well I really rate that one. And yeah the phone call was pointless.

Trollheart · 11-04-2017, 03:29 PM

I tried not to just like it because you wanted me to/ hoped I would. It's actually pretty damn good, especially for a debut. I love his use of the full orchestra; that takes real balls on your first outing.

Trollheart · 11-04-2017, 07:15 PM

Album title: Forget
Artist: Xiu Xiu
Genre: Experimental Rock/Art Rock
Nationality: American
Release date: February 24
Position in Discography: Tenth
Fear Factor: Moderate
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 3.38
Started off with a fast rap that made it seem like it was going to be a hip-hop album (and likely one I wouldn't enjoy) but then quickly turned into some sort of electronic synthpop/new wave weirdness which I actually like a lot more. The singer certainly reminds me of Bowie, though that's probably an affectation. I'm not quite sure yet what makes this experimental though? I suppose “Get Up” is a little weirder than the tracks that have preceded it, though not all that much if I'm honest. Not Frownland level experimental. Frownland will now drop in to tell me I don't have a clue what experimental music is, and I should stick to my sappy prog and AOR. Here he comes....

“Hey Choco Bananas” is pretty weird, but I kind of don't really like it. Yeah, I'm just bored now. I won't bail, as there are only like three tracks to go, but I'm just waiting for it to end without expecting anything I'm going to like before it does. I wasn't wrong. Album is well named. I will, now that it's over.

Check out more from this artist? Nah
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Meh

Expectation Index: 0

Trollheart · 11-04-2017, 07:29 PM

Album title: Luv is Rage 1.5
Artist: Lil Uzi Vert
Genre: Hip-Hop
Nationality: American
Release date: February 26
Position in Discography: Third EP
Fear Factor: High
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 3.17
Just a short one here, four tracks in all. Hard as ever to give comments on four songs, but there's nothing wrong with them and quite a bit right. I'd have to hear more of his material but he sounds like he has a lot of talent.

Check out more from this artist? Yeah maybe
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yeah

Expectation Index: 7

**Frownland** · 11-05-2017, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Album title: Forget
Artist: Xiu Xiu
Genre: Experimental Rock/Art Rock
Nationality: American
Release date: February 24
Position in Discography: Tenth
Fear Factor: Moderate
Familiar with this artist? No
Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No
Average RYM Score: 3.38
Started off with a fast rap that made it seem like it was going to be a hip-hop album (and likely one I wouldn't enjoy) but then quickly turned into some sort of electronic synthpop/new wave weirdness which I actually like a lot more. The singer certainly reminds me of Bowie, though that's probably an affectation. I'm not quite sure yet what makes this experimental though? I suppose “Get Up” is a little weirder than the tracks that have preceded it, though not all that much if I'm honest. Not Frownland level experimental. Frownland will now drop in to tell me I don't have a clue what experimental music is, and I should stick to my sappy prog and AOR. Here he comes....

“Hey Choco Bananas” is pretty weird, but I kind of don't really like it. Yeah, I'm just bored now. I won't bail, as there are only like three tracks to go, but I'm just waiting for it to end without expecting anything I'm going to like before it does. I wasn't wrong. Album is well named. I will, now that it's over.

Check out more from this artist? Nah
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Meh

Expectation Index: 0

They're aight. Have you heard Xiu Xiu plays the music of Twin Peaks? That's a stronger record that you might dig more.

rubber soul · 11-05-2017, 04:56 AM

Well, I like it (Xiu Xiu), at least the video anyway.

Trollheart · 11-05-2017, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

They're aight. Have you heard Xiu Xiu plays the music of Twin Peaks? That's a stronger record that you might dig more.

I saw it as the next album. I have that album (the original of course) so maybe I'll check it out at some point. Was that a flying pig?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubber soul

Well, I like it (Xiu Xiu), at least the video anyway.

As I always say, glad to introduce anyone to music they may enjoy, even if it ain't my own cup of tea.

11-04-2017, 12:10 PM	#831 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Album title: Restoration of an American Idol Artist: Taylor Bennett Genre: Hip-Hop Nationality: American Release date: February 24 Position in Discography: Third mixtape; fourth overall Fear Factor: High Familiar with this artist? No Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No Average RYM Score: 2.87 Hey, I like the sound of this. I see he's related to Chance the Rapper, who got some decent rep here a few years back. Hell, even the Autotune isn't annoying me: it seems almost to fit into the style of singing that tends to prevail in this genre. This is much more relaxed, easygoing hip-hop with a strong soul element, very appealing. Pretty much like everything here. Good show! Check out more from this artist? Might, yes Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Expectation Index: 10 Actually, I don't know what to think. Wiki has it as a mixtape, RYM calls it an album. Discogs doesn't have it at all. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-04-2017, 02:23 PM	#833 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Album title: "Drunk" Artist: Thundercat Genre: Jazz Fusion/Electronic/R&B Nationality: American Release date: February 24 Position in Discography: Third Fear Factor: High Familiar with this artist? No Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No Average RYM Score: 3.26 Another album that fooled me into thinking the vocalist was female, dammit! Twenty-three tracks here, people! Let's hope either that there's a lot of good stuff or that it's so bad I can bail out. So far, it seems to be the former. Lots of engaging music here. Nice mix of soul, thumping electronic tunes and some pretty mad jazz, none of which have annoyed me. It is however hard to listen to this without thinking of this: I don't feel Kendrick adds much to “Walk On By”, but I'm sure there will be people wetting themselves over his guest appearance here. It's the only one from him. Others who lend a hand include seventies icons Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, Pharrell Williams, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa and Kamasi Washington. Not sure why ol' Thunderpussy needs these as he has a great singing voice himself, but what do I know? I think “Tokyo” would be one of my favourite tracks here. Lot of short little tracks too, and it all adds up to a very impressive album. Check out more from this artist? Might Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Expectation Index: 9 __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018 Last edited by Trollheart; 11-05-2017 at 06:53 PM.

11-04-2017, 03:29 PM	#835 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	I tried not to just like it because you wanted me to/ hoped I would. It's actually pretty damn good, especially for a debut. I love his use of the full orchestra; that takes real balls on your first outing. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-04-2017, 07:15 PM	#836 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Album title: Forget Artist: Xiu Xiu Genre: Experimental Rock/Art Rock Nationality: American Release date: February 24 Position in Discography: Tenth Fear Factor: Moderate Familiar with this artist? No Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No Average RYM Score: 3.38 Started off with a fast rap that made it seem like it was going to be a hip-hop album (and likely one I wouldn't enjoy) but then quickly turned into some sort of electronic synthpop/new wave weirdness which I actually like a lot more. The singer certainly reminds me of Bowie, though that's probably an affectation. I'm not quite sure yet what makes this experimental though? I suppose “Get Up” is a little weirder than the tracks that have preceded it, though not all that much if I'm honest. Not Frownland level experimental. Frownland will now drop in to tell me I don't have a clue what experimental music is, and I should stick to my sappy prog and AOR. Here he comes.... “Hey Choco Bananas” is pretty weird, but I kind of don't really like it. Yeah, I'm just bored now. I won't bail, as there are only like three tracks to go, but I'm just waiting for it to end without expecting anything I'm going to like before it does. I wasn't wrong. Album is well named. I will, now that it's over. Check out more from this artist? Nah Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Meh Expectation Index: 0 __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-04-2017, 07:29 PM	#837 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Album title: Luv is Rage 1.5 Artist: Lil Uzi Vert Genre: Hip-Hop Nationality: American Release date: February 26 Position in Discography: Third EP Fear Factor: High Familiar with this artist? No Familiar with the genre or subgenre? No Average RYM Score: 3.17 Just a short one here, four tracks in all. Hard as ever to give comments on four songs, but there's nothing wrong with them and quite a bit right. I'd have to hear more of his material but he sounds like he has a lot of talent. Check out more from this artist? Yeah maybe Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yeah Expectation Index: 7 __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018